The proposed plan, spearheaded by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in coordination with Russia’s Kirill Dmitriev, suggests Ukraine cede eastern territories, including areas it currently controls, to Russia.
It also envisions de facto recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk by the United States, and a freeze along the current front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts .
In return, Kyiv would receive security guarantees from the US and NATO, remain eligible for EU membership, and get support for rebuilding, partially funded by frozen Russian assets.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, expressed strong reservations. “Poles will make decisions concerning Poland,” Tusk stated, in a presumed reference to a plan point requiring European fighter jets to be stationed in Poland.
He added, “In the matter of peace, all negotiations should be conducted with Ukraine’s participation,” reiterating Warsaw’s long-standing position against any peace deal negotiated without Kyiv’s involvement.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki backed this sentiment, warning that any plan “must take into account the fact that Russia is a country that does not honour agreements”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged receiving the draft plan and described the situation as “one of the most difficult moments of our history,” facing a choice between “losing dignity or risk losing a major partner”.
While not outright rejecting the plan, Zelenskyy pledged to “work calmly with America and all our partners…to seek constructive solutions”.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have reassured Zelenskyy of their “full and unwavering” support, emphasizing that any solution must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The timing of this proposal is critical, as Ukraine faces military pressure on the front lines, a worsening energy situation due to Russian strikes, and a significant corruption scandal within Zelenskyy’s administration.
The plan’s provisions, particularly those granting amnesty for actions during the war and potentially limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities, have drawn sharp criticism from European officials who view them as overly favorable to Moscow.
